Better Energy Systems, makers of the Solio line of photovoltaic device chargers, has developed a charger designed for rural needs in Kenya that will be supported through micro-financing arrangements. The device was shown at the recent Outdoor Retailer’s show in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“One of the cool things is it starts to get people off of kerosene,” said Chris Hansel, Better Energy Systems’ vice president of sales. “Literally people will buy a baggie of kerosene. It’s just really bad for people to be breathing it. One of the other benefits is they’re able to charge their phones. There’s no phone infrastructure or electric infrastructure in rural Kenya, so there’s no way to charge a phone in some areas.”

The micro-financing model was just recently announced, according to Hansel.

“We’re able to employ people and get people access to clean power. We’re giving them a way to use clean power and spend less on energy than on kerosene,” he said.

Each system includes a Solio charger (a relatively small, tough and lightweight unit with photovoltaics, a battery pack and a usb port), a usb powered radio, an LED light and a usb splitter cable, allowing the user to charge or use multiple devices at the same time, including their phone.

Under the program, which is financed through Kiva, an agent leases 10 photovoltaic chargers through a small business loan, according to Hansel.

“Then, what they do is lease these kits to our people, and there’s a key that allows us [or the agent] to authorize the device to work for a week,” he said.

The key looks like a flash drive. After the week, the user will have to pay to get the device reauthorized to provide power for the next week, providing revenue for the agent and paying for the systems.

Most people using small solar chargers in the U.S. don’t use them for their primary source of electricity. But, in Kenya, people will depend on such devices for all their power needs.

“We have to make sure we’re learning from any mistake or shortcoming on developing a better product down the road,” Hansel said.

Image courtesy of Solio.